Skip Bayless Reveals LeBron James’ Close Bond with Damon Jones

The recent arrests made by the FBI regarding illegal gambling operations involving notable figures in the NBA have sent shockwaves through the basketball community. Among those arrested is former player Damon Jones, a name that may not resonate with younger fans but is significant due to his close relationship with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James during their time together in the league.

Jones, who played for 11 seasons in the NBA, is best remembered for his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before joining Cleveland, he had a career characterized by frequent team changes, often referred to as a journeyman. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Jones found a supportive environment in Cleveland, where he developed a strong friendship with James, who was then emerging as a superstar.

NBA analyst Skip Bayless elaborated on their relationship in a recent post on X, explaining, “LeBron really really liked Damon Jones. He just wanted Damon around because Damon’s a great hand. Damon made him feel better about everything.” Bayless, who previously worked on ESPN’s First Take, noted that their bond went beyond mere teammates; it was almost familial.

Family-Like Bond

Bayless described how Jones acted as a guardian figure for James, providing support during a critical period in the future NBA champion’s career. “Everywhere LeBron went, LeBron tried to keep Damon involved. I think that Damon Jones became LeBron’s sort of quasi big brother figure. The big brother LeBron didn’t have,” he asserted. At 49 years old, Jones is eight years senior to James, which likely contributed to this protective dynamic.

The connection they shared allowed James to feel more at ease, according to Bayless. “I can just see it in action where LeBron would just feel better having Damon around as one of the guys in his inner circle,” he said. This inner circle, however, has been called into question following the recent allegations against Jones, raising concerns about the integrity of their relationship.

Implications of Recent Allegations

The allegations against Jones involve providing insider information about a “prominent player” who did not participate for the Lakers in 2023. Speculations suggest that this player may be LeBron himself. If Jones had been part of James’ closest circle, which includes influential figures like Rich Paul and Maverick Carter, this could have led to a significant scandal impacting both James and the league.

Fortunately for James, the situation appears to have avoided any direct implications for him. Despite this, the recent events have shifted focus to the Lakers star, with many anticipating his response to the unfolding situation. The basketball community watches closely, reflecting on the past while considering the potential impact on the present.

As the investigation continues, the fallout from these arrests may lead to broader discussions about accountability and conduct within professional sports. For now, the spotlight remains on James as he navigates this unexpected chapter in his career.